BGI Capital announces expansion to Palm Beach County, appoints new managing directors

 Miami-based alternative lending and commercial real estate debt provider BGI Capital is expanding to Palm Beach County with an office headquartered in Boca Raton. Currently, BGI Capital operates offices in Miami and New York, making Boca Raton its third location.

The company has appointed Gregory J. Laskody to serve as the firm’s primary Palm Beach County liaison.

“Due to the demand for our product in this area, we are proud to announce the launch of our new office space in Palm Beach County,” said BGi Capital Managing Partner Kenneth Baboun in a press release.  “As we continue to grow, it is imperative we bring on members who possess the values we share. We strongly believe that with his vast knowledge of the industry and customer-centric approach, Gregory will take our firm above and beyond traditional lending institutions and make an impact in the community.”

In addition to Laskody, BGI Capital has appointed Christian J. “CJ” Johannsen to serve as managing director at its Miami office.

“As we continue to grow in the South Florida market, it is important to build a solid team that is aligned with our core principals and understands how to structure the best lending solutions for our clients,” said BGI Managing Parner Robert Barthelmess. “CJ has a wealth of knowledge under his belt and we’re confident he’ll make a great addition.”

In Miami, BGI Capital has played an integral role in the transformation of several Miami neighborhoods including Edgewater, Coral Gables, Brickell and Doral. The firm plans to continue its expansion within the Florida market, according to the press release.

MBA welcomes Michael Briggs as senior VP and general counsel

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has appointed Michael W. Briggs as senior vice president and general counsel.

Briggs joins MBA from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), where he most recently served as assistant general counsel for the consumer law section.

“Michael brings a rare blend of industry, trade association, private practice, and regulatory experience that will allow him to provide immediate value and leadership to MBA and our members,” said MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit in a press release. “He has vast knowledge of the financial services regulatory landscape, both from within the government and from the outside.”

In his new role, Briggs will serve as MBA’s chief legal officer and is responsible for managing the legal affairs of the association and its subsidiaries and affiliates. He will also oversee the the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, MBA’s 501(c)(3) foundation that provides mortgage and rental payment assistance to families with critically ill or injured children, allowing parents and guardians to be by a child’s side during treatment.

Earlier in his career, Briggs served as assistant general counsel for regulatory affairs at Bank of America Corporation and as regulatory counsel for Barnett Banks, Florida’s largest banking organization prior to its merger with Bank of America.